Skunks are present across California, thriving in various environments. These common mammals are often seen at dawn, dusk, and night. Encounters with them are common for residents and visitors.
California’s Skunk Population
California’s skunk population is extensive and adaptable, found in nearly every part of the state. They are primarily nocturnal, foraging for food under the cover of darkness. Skunks are omnivorous, consuming a diverse diet including insects, grubs, small rodents, fruits, pet food, and garbage. They are generally mild-tempered and not aggressive, preferring to avoid conflict.
Species of Skunks in California
California is home to two main species of skunks: the striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) and the western spotted skunk (Spilogale gracilis). The striped skunk is more commonly encountered, often seen around human dwellings. It is about the size of a house cat, weighing 4 to 10 pounds, with a triangular head and short, muscular legs. Its fur is predominantly black, with a distinct white stripe beginning on its head and neck, usually splitting into two stripes down its back and onto its bushy tail.
The western spotted skunk is smaller, about half the size of a striped skunk, weighing up to 1.5 pounds. Instead of prominent stripes, it displays broken white stripes and spots on a black coat. While striped skunks move slowly, spotted skunks are more energetic, exhibiting a “bouncing” gait. A notable behavior of the spotted skunk is its defensive handstand, raising its hindquarters and tail before spraying, often aiming while facing the threat.
Skunk Habitats and Distribution
Skunks in California are highly adaptable, inhabiting environments from rural wilderness to urban and suburban areas. They can be found in woodlands, grasslands, agricultural fields, and city limits where food and shelter are available. Skunks prefer to den in sheltered locations, often using abandoned burrows dug by other animals like ground squirrels or foxes.
They frequently take refuge under human structures, such as decks, porches, sheds, and crawl spaces. In natural settings, they may den in brush piles, hollow logs, or rock formations. Their presence in residential areas is often linked to accessible food sources, including fallen fruit, pet food, and unsecured garbage.
Living Alongside Skunks
Coexisting with skunks involves understanding their behavior and taking preventative measures to minimize conflicts. Skunks are generally docile, spraying only as a last resort when threatened and unable to escape. Warning signs that a skunk might spray include foot stamping, tail raising, hissing, or short charges. If an encounter occurs, remaining calm, moving slowly, and providing the skunk an escape route can prevent spraying. Skunks have poor eyesight, so sudden movements can startle them.
Preventing skunk presence around homes involves removing attractants. Securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids and bringing pet food indoors at night eliminates easy food sources. Sealing entry points under decks, porches, and sheds with wire mesh or hardware cloth can prevent them from denning. Clearing clutter like woodpiles and overgrown vegetation also reduces potential den sites. Motion-activated sprinklers or lights can deter them from entering certain areas.
If a person or pet is sprayed, a mixture of 1 quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ΒΌ cup baking soda, and 1-2 teaspoons of liquid dish soap can effectively neutralize the odor. Apply this solution to the affected area, massage in, let sit for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly. It is important to avoid getting the mixture in the eyes. Unlike common belief, tomato juice is not effective at removing skunk odor.
Skunks can carry diseases, with rabies a concern in California. Report animals exhibiting unusual behavior (active during the day, disoriented, or aggressive) to local animal control; do not approach them. Vaccinating pets against rabies is an important preventative measure. Trapping and relocating skunks is often illegal and can be ineffective, as new skunks may move into the vacated territory. Humane methods like one-way doors can encourage skunks to leave dens, but these should not be used during breeding season when young kits might be present.